Clarity Control Module UPCHURCH VALVES

Significance of the Topic

Precise control of fluidic valves is essential for reliable and automated liquid chromatography workflows. By integrating Upchurch V-2500 series valves into a chromatography station, laboratories can achieve reproducible sample routing, minimize manual intervention, and enhance overall data quality.

Objectives and Overview

This document explains how to configure and operate Upchurch V-2500 valves within the Clarity chromatography software. It covers hardware requirements, software setup, method development, monitoring, reporting, and troubleshooting procedures to enable full method-driven valve control.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Communication between the PC and valves uses an RS-232 serial link (DB9F to S-video), configured at 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit. Key setup steps include:

• Installing the Clarity LC/GC Control module and selecting the V-2500 driver.
• Assigning COM port, naming each valve, and defining the number of connected valves.
• Specifying external digital inputs/outputs for run synchronization.
• Using the Method Setup dialog to set initial and home positions, and to build an Event Table for time- or signal-driven valve switching.
• Employing the Device Monitor for real-time position status and manual override when idle.
• Configuring valve actuator settings for single or multiple valves, including identification and testing to verify communication.

Main Results and Discussion

The integrated system enables:

• Full valve automation through Clarity methods, with position changes logged in chromatogram records.
• Support for up to ten valves in a chained setup, each individually addressable.
• Audit-trail recording of valve events in reports for compliance and data integrity.
• Communication logging via COMMDRV.INI to facilitate rapid fault diagnosis.

Benefits and Practical Applications

By deploying the Upchurch V-2500 Control Module laboratories gain:

• Streamlined method workflows with automatic flow path selection.
• Enhanced flexibility for complex multi-channel separations or sample trapping.
• Improved QA/QC through timestamped event logging in reports.
• Efficient troubleshooting aided by serial communication logs.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include higher-density valve arrays, cloud-based instrument monitoring, mobile-app interfaces, and integration with Internet-of-Things platforms. Enhanced method scripting could allow adaptive valve switching in response to real-time detector feedback, expanding applications in fields such as proteomics and process analytical technology.

Conclusion

The Upchurch V-2500 series valves, when controlled via Clarity software, deliver robust and flexible automated fluid routing. Comprehensive configuration options, real-time monitoring, and auditing capabilities support method validation and operational efficiency in modern analytical laboratories.

Reference

DataApex Ltd. Upchurch Valves Clarity Control Module Manual, Code M112/90A, Revision 2024-02-14.